Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an inside frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or double glazing repair Waltham Abbey loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and double glazing repair Waltham abbey width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash was double glazing repair waltham abbey-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cure and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window repair Harrow. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

To make these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to find replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights could be different sizes than what is needed. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and secure it in the step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.